Operations Planning Manager

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentives

Health insurance

Professional development allowance

Remote-friendly policy

Strategic impact

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Operations Planning Manager to lead production and operations planning for a remote-first role supporting a Queenstown manufacturing site. The candidate will align demand with supply, optimize resources, and drive KPIs for lead times, inventory, and efficiency.

Ideal candidates have 6+ years in planning, strong ERP/Excel skills, and a track record of leading remote teams. This role offers remote work flexibility and strategic influence across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations planning, production planning, or supply chain management.
• Strong proficiency with planning software, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and advanced Excel skills.
• Demonstrated experience in demand forecasting, inventory management, and capacity planning.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams and collaborate effectively in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive production and operational plans aligned with business objectives and demand forecasts.
• Optimize resource allocation, including labor, machinery, and materials, to ensure efficient and cost-effective production.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to understand demand drivers and translate them into actionable production schedules.
• Manage inventory levels across raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to meet service level targets while minimizing costs.
• Monitor plan execution, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks and ensure timely delivery.
• Lead and mentor the operations planning team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

Skills

Planning software

ERP systems

Excel

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management / Supply Chain / Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Excel

Job description

Our client is seeking a strategic and analytical Operations Planning Manager to lead their planning functions, operating remotely to support their manufacturing site in Queenstown . This critical role involves developing and managing the overall production and operational plans to meet demand efficiently while optimizing resource utilization. You will work closely with sales, procurement, and production teams to ensure alignment and achieve key performance indicators related to lead times, inventory levels, and production efficiency. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner to make a significant impact in a remote-first operational strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive production and operational plans aligned with business objectives and demand forecasts.
• Optimize resource allocation, including labor, machinery, and materials, to ensure efficient and cost-effective production.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to understand demand drivers and translate them into actionable production schedules.
• Manage inventory levels across raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to meet service level targets while minimizing costs.
• Monitor plan execution, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks and ensure timely delivery.
• Lead and mentor the operations planning team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations planning, production planning, or supply chain management.
• Strong proficiency with planning software , ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and advanced Excel skills.
• Demonstrated experience in demand forecasting, inventory management, and capacity planning.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams and collaborate effectively in a remote environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive program.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous allowance for professional development and certifications.
• Fully remote work flexibility, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Opportunity to influence strategic operational planning across the organization.